Electronic-cigarette filter

ABSTRACT

An electronic-cigarette filter including a tube housing a vaporizing device, wherein walls of the tube are substantially fluid impermeable. The electronic-cigarette filter includes a fluid permeable matrix disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube and is in fluid communication with the vaporizing device. The electronic-cigarette filter includes a vaporizing liquid disposed throughout the matrix. The electronic-cigarette filter includes a substantially flexible outer housing enveloping the matrix and the tube. The electronic-cigarette filter includes a sealing member consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeable material that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communication between the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic-cigarettes, specifically toelectronic-cigarette filters configured to give a feel and use similarto actual cigarettes.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic-cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette), personal vaporizer (PV)or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is generally abattery-powered device which simulates tobacco smoking. It generallyuses a heating element known as an atomizer that vaporizes a liquidsolution. Some solutions contain a mixture of nicotine and flavorings,while others release a flavored vapor without nicotine.

Many are designed to simulate smoking implements, such as cigarettes orcigars, in their use and/or appearance, while others are considerablydifferent in appearance. Such will generally include a mouthpiececonfigured to allow a user to inhale vapor therethrough. True cigarettefilters are generally made from cellulose acetate and are of afirm-spongy consistency. Thus, cigarette smokers are used to having amouthpiece that gives way a little when grasped by the mouth and manye-cigarettes have mouthpieces that are substantially different in lookand/or feel when compared to true/traditional cigarettes.

Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of referencesrelated to the present invention are described below in their own words,and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated byreference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,027, issued to Kanarvogel, discloses a liquiddispensing apparatus is provided having a container for storing theliquid to be dispensed, an anti-drip valve cartridge connected to thecontainer and a needle element connected to the valve cartridge. Adevice is provided for pressurizing the container for the duration of atime interval and for depressurizing the container to atmosphericpressure, simultaneously, with the end of the time interval. The valvecartridge has an outlet portion which sealably connects an outletopening thereof in registry with the bore of the needle element. Apressure activated poppet valve can be provided in the valve cartridgeto seal the outlet opening upon the depressurization of the container.After depressurization, a volume of liquid is left in the needle elementwhich exerts a pressure at the end of the needle element that is lessthan the incoming atmospheric pressure. As a result, liquid will notdrip from the end of the needle element after the depressurization ofthe container and thus the dispensing of the liquid. An air barrier canbe provided in the container to prevent airation of the liquid to bedispensed. Additionally, a liquid induction fitting and a liquid storagetank can be provided for automatic refill of the container.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0306064, by Thorens et al.,discloses an aerosol generating system for heating a liquidaerosol-forming substrate. The system includes an aerosol-formingchamber, and a leakage preventer for preventing or reducing leakage ofliquid aerosol condensate from the aerosol generating system. Theleakage preventer may include one or more of: at least one cavity in awall of the aerosol-forming chamber, for collecting droplets ofcondensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate; at least one hooked memberfor collecting droplets of condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate;an impactor for disrupting airflow in the aerosol-forming chamber so asto collect liquid droplets; and a closure member for substantiallysealing the aerosol-forming chamber when the aerosol generating systemis not in use.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192617, by Thompson,discloses a cartomizer for an electronic-cigarette having an elongated,hollow body with a mouthpiece in a first end and a battery coupling inan opposite second end. An atomizing coil is disposed in the bodygenerally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cartomizer and haspositive and negative terminal leads pressfit connected to positive andnegative terminals separated by an insulative spacer in the batterycoupling. A fibrous wick is inserted inside the atomizing coil and acloth tube is disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe cartomizer and extends from the atomizing coil to the mouthpiece. Avolatile liquid mixture of preferably 80% propylene glycol and 20%veggie glycol with liquid nicotine and/or flavoring is disposed in thebody.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0180533, by Kim et al.,discloses a cartridge of electric cigarette for preventing leakage. Thecartridge may comprise a storing container 11 to store liquid therein;an extending tube 12 to have a guide tube 121 installed within thestoring container 11 and extending in a hollow cylindrical shape, alower fixing plate 122 coupled to the lower part of the guide tube 121and secured to the lower part of the storing container 11 and a fixinggap 123 formed at the upper part of the guide tube 121; a guide lid 16coupled to the upper part of the extending tube 12 and introducingevaporated component; an evaporating unit 17 fixed at the fixing gap123; and a mouth piece 13 communicating with the guide lid 16 andcoupled to the upper part of the storing container 11.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0160765, by Liu, disclosesa mouthpiece device of electronic-cigarette, includes an atomizingdevice for vaporizing tobacco substance into aerosol, a reservoir forstoring tobacco substance and a guiding tube for guiding tobaccosubstance from the reservoir to the atomizing device, which are set inan shell. The guiding tube has one end inserted in the reservoir and theother end communicated with atomizing device. The mouthpiece devicefurther includes a preheat device for heat solid tobacco substance inthe reservoir to generate liquid. The preheat device is set in the endof the reservoir near the guiding tube, and seals solid tobaccosubstance in the reservoir. The present invention solves existingproblems such as fluid leakage, complicate manufacturing, high cost, badheat insulation and filtering aerosol; and obtains perfect leakageproof, simple manufacturing, lower cost, good heat insulation and wellfiltering aerosol.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantageswhich include being flimsy, being leaky, being expensive, beingdifficult to use, being easily breakable, being non-durable, leakinginappropriate and/or dangerous amounts of fluid into the mouth of theuser, allowing fluid to leak on the clothing and etc. of the user andthusly causing a mess during use, being difficult to package withoutrisking a leak inside the packaging during storage/transport, and thelike.

What is needed is an electronic-cigarette filter that solves one or moreof the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that maycome to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiarwith this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable electronic-cigarette filters. Accordingly, the presentinvention has been developed to provide an anti-leakingelectronic-cigarette filter that has a feel very similar to that of atraditional cigarette.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is anelectronic-cigarette filter that may include a tube that may be housinga vaporizing device, wherein walls of the tube may be substantiallyfluid impermeable, and wherein the tube may include a first open end anda second open end each may be distal from the other.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a fluid permeable matrixthat may be disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube and may be influid communication with the vaporizing device through a region of thetube spaced from the second open end of the tube. The matrix mayencircle the tube. The matrix may be a hollow cylinder.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a vaporizing liquid that maybe disposed throughout the matrix. The electronic-cigarette filter mayinclude a substantially flexible outer housing that may be envelopingthe matrix and the tube, the outer housing may have a first end that mayinclude a coupling structure and a second end, that may be distal fromthe first end, the second end may include a mouthpiece that may have ahole therethrough that may be in fluid communication with the vaporizingdevice. The mouthpiece may be selectably removably coupled to the outerhousing. The coupling structure of the first end of the outer housingmay include both a physical coupling structure and an electricalcoupling structure, each configured to couple to correspondingcomponents of an electronic-cigarette battery housing.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a sealing member that may beadjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealing member may beconsisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeable materialthat may be shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communicationbetween the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece. The sealing membermay be a nipple that may be extending between the hole of the mouthpieceand the second open end of the tube. The sealing member may form aconduit between the hole of the mouthpiece and the tube. The nipple maybe fixedly coupled to the mouthpiece and may seat into the second openend of the tube when the mouthpiece is coupled to the flexible outerhousing. The sealing member may be annular and may encircle the tube.The sealing member may be highly elastic.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is anelectronic-cigarette filter that may include a tube that may be housinga vaporizing device. The tube may include a first open end and a secondopen end each may be distal from the other. Walls of the tube may besubstantially fluid impermeable.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a fluid permeable matrixthat may be disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube and may be influid communication with the vaporizing device through a region of thetube spaced from the second open end of the tube.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a vaporizing liquid that maybe disposed throughout the matrix. The matrix may be a hollow cylinderthat may encircle the tube.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a substantially flexibleouter housing that may be enveloping the matrix and the tube, the outerhousing may have a first end and a second end, that may be distal fromthe first end, the second end may include a mouthpiece that may have ahole therethrough that may be in fluid communication with the vaporizingdevice.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a sealing member that may beadjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealing member may consistessentially of a substantially fluid impermeable material that may beshaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communication between thematrix and the hole of the mouthpiece. The sealing member may be annularand may encircle the tube. The sealing member may be flush with thesecond open end of the tube and may be spaced from an interior wall ofthe mouthpiece. The sealing member may form a conduit between the holeof the mouthpiece and the tube. The sealing member may be a nipple thatmay be extending between the hole of the mouthpiece and the second openend of the tube. The nipple may be fixedly coupled to the mouthpiece andmay seat into the second open end of the tube when the mouthpiece iscoupled to the flexible outer housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is anelectronic-cigarette filter that may include a tube that may be housinga vaporizing device, wherein walls of the tube may be substantiallyfluid impermeable, and wherein the tube may include a first open end anda second open end each may be distal from the other.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a fluid permeable matrixthat may be shaped as a hollow cylinder that may be disposed adjacent toan exterior of the tube, that may be encircling the same, and may be influid communication with the vaporizing device through the first openend of the tube.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a vaporizing liquid that maybe disposed throughout the matrix.

The electronic-cigarette may include a substantially flexible outerhousing that may be enveloping the matrix and the tube, the outerhousing may have a first end that may be including a coupling structureand a second end, that may be distal from the first end, the second endmay include a mouthpiece that may be having a hole therethrough in fluidcommunication with the vaporizing device.

The electronic-cigarette filter may include a sealing member that may beadjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealing member may consistessentially of a substantially fluid impermeable material that may beshaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communication between thematrix and the hole of the mouthpiece. The sealing member may beselected from the group of sealing members that may consist of anannular plug and a seating nipple.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings ofthe invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematicsrepresentations, not intended to portray specific parameters of theinvention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered tobe limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic-cigarette filter coupledto an electronic-cigarette battery housing, according to one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic-cigarette filter,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic-cigarettefilter, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of anelectronic-cigarette filter, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic-cigarettefilter, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of anelectronic-cigarette filter, according to one embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic-cigarettefilter, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example”or similar language means that a particular feature, structure,characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an“example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, butdo not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to differentembodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, referenceto the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or morefeatures, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarilyrelated, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be consideredindependent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use ofsimilar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore,where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” theidentified embodiment is independent of any other embodimentscharacterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features,functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to becombined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or artmay direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic-cigarette filter coupledto an electronic-cigarette battery housing, according to one embodimentof the invention. There is shown an electronic-cigarette filter 10coupled to an electronic-cigarette battery housing 40 to provide anelectronic-cigarette 50.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 is configured to store avaporizing liquid therein for vaporizing and inhalation by a user. Theillustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 is coupled to anelectronic-cigarette batter housing 40 to provide anelectronic-cigarette 50 for inhalation of the vaporizing liquid.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a tube housing avaporizing device, wherein walls of the tube are substantially fluidimpermeable, and wherein the tube includes a first open end and a secondopen end each distal from the other.

The electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a substantially flexibleouter housing 24 enveloping a matrix and a tube of the filter 10. Theouter housing 24 is configured to secure the components and modules ofthe filter 10 therein. The outer housing 24 includes a first end 26having a coupling structure 28 and a second end 30, distal from thefirst end 26. The second end 30 includes a mouthpiece 32 having a hole34 therethrough that is in fluid communication with a vaporizing device,which is disposed within the outer housing 24. The mouthpiece 32 isselectably removably coupled to the outer housing 24. The couplingstructure 28 of the first end 26 of the outer housing 24 includes both aphysical coupling structure and an electrical coupling structure, eachconfigured to couple to corresponding components of anelectronic-cigarette battery housing 40. This is generally present inthe form of a screw-type interface that physically couples thestructures together such that when mated, electrical contacts aredisposed against one another, thereby allowing current to flowtherethrough when desired.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 is configured to providea non-leaking filter for e-cigarettes. The electronic-cigarette filter10 provides for airflow through the filter 10 without direct accessbetween the matrix storing the liquid and the exiting airflow, therebyeliminating any liquid from leaking or entering the user's mouth duringinhalation or use of the electronic-cigarette. This is particularlyimportant wherein the housing of the filter is substantially flexible,such as but not limited to having flexing characteristics similar tothat of a traditional cigarette filter. Wherein the exiting airflow pathis not appropriately shielded from the stored vaporizing liquid, suchliquid may collect within the airflow path and/or may leak into the pathand thus be taken in orally by the user. Vaporization liquid isgenerally too concentrated to be comfortably taken orally and may poserisks to the user. Even wherein there is shielding between the airflowpath and the stored vaporization liquid, if the filter is substantiallyflexible and then is bitten or even gripped firmly between the lips, theairflow path may distort and the shielding thereof may also distort,thus resulting in undesired pooling or leaking of the vaporizationliquid.

Having an effectively-seamless airflow chamber that goes through therefill filter 10, all the way from the point where the user puts thee-cigarette 50 to their mouth to where the filter 10 attaches to thebattery assembly 40 reduces leaking and allows the user to grip and evenbite down on the filter without causing leakage. There may be aninternal nipple molded with the mouthpiece that seals the gap betweenthe mouthpiece and the heating element holding tube that goes throughthe center of the filter 10, thus sealing the airflow path even when theexterior of the filter is under pressure, e.g. from a user biting downon the filter. There may be a second nipple where the filter attaches tothe battery assembly 40 that seals against the outer tube so that thevaporizing liquid cannot leak into the tube or out therefrom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic-cigarette filter,according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown anelectronic-cigarette filter 10 including a substantially flexible outerhousing 24 having a first end 26 and a second end 30.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a substantiallyflexible outer housing 24 configured to envelop a matrix and a tube. Thesubstantially flexible outer housing 24 is configured to secure andsupport the matrix and the tube disposed therein. The outer housing 24includes a first end 26 including a coupling structure 28 and a secondend 30, distal from the first end 26. The second end 30 includes amouthpiece 32 having a hole therethrough that is in fluid communicationwith a vaporizing device that is disposed within the tube and the outerhousing 24. The coupling structure 28 of the first end 26 of the outerhousing 24 includes both a physical coupling structure 40 and anelectrical coupling structure 42, each configured to couple tocorresponding components of an electronic-cigarette battery housing.

Looking to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of anelectronic-cigarette filter, according to one embodiment of theinvention and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electroniccigarette filter, according to one embodiment of the invention. There isshown an electronic-cigarette filter 10 including a tube 12, avaporizing device 14, a substantially flexible outer housing 24, a fluidpermeable matrix 20 (fluid storage matrix), and a sealing member 36.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a tube 12housing a vaporizing device 14, wherein walls of the tube 12 aresubstantially fluid impermeable, and wherein the tube 12 includes afirst open end 16 and a second open end 18 each distal from the other.Generally the tube is of a plastic or metal that is sufficiently strongto maintain an air channel even when the matrix/housing is compressedand that is substantially fluid impermeable. The illustrated tube alsoincludes apertures for access by the vaporizing device which allowsfluid to enter therethrough and to be vaporized while inside the tube.The tube also protects and houses the vaporizing device.

The electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a fluid permeable matrix 20disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube 12 (it envelopes the tube,thus providing fluid storage adjacent thereto) and is in fluidcommunication with the vaporizing device 14 through the side aperturesof the tube 12. The fluid permeable matrix 20 may be a cylinder of wovenfibers or a sponge-like material configured to hold a quantity of fluidtherein. The matrix has a hole therethrough such that it may be disposedabout and substantially encircle the tube. The matrix is generallyflexible so that it contributes to the overall feel of the structurebeing similar to that of a traditional cigarette filter. Indeed, thematrix may be of substantially similar materials to those used intraditional filters, though modified to better contain fluids therein.The fluid permeable matrix 20 is adjacent to an exterior of the tube 12and is in fluid communication with the vaporizing device 14 through aregion of the tube spaced from the second open end of the tube. Theelectronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a vaporizing liquid disposedthroughout the matrix.

The electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a substantially flexibleouter housing 24 enveloping the matrix and the tube 12. Such willgenerally be a thin cylinder made of a flexible and fluid impermeablematerial, such as but not limited to plastic. The outer housing 24includes a first end 26 having a coupling structure 28 and a second end30, distal from the first end 26. The second end 30 includes amouthpiece 32 having a hole therethrough that is in fluid communicationwith the vaporizing device 14. The mouthpiece 32 is selectably removablycoupled to the outer housing 24. The coupling structure 28 of the firstend 26 of the outer housing 24 includes both a physical couplingstructure and an electrical coupling structure, each configured tocouple to corresponding components of an electronic-cigarette batteryhousing. The illustrated outer housing envelops the matrix and the tube12, the outer housing 24 having a first end 26 and a second end 30,distal from the first end 26, the second end 30 includes a mouthpiece 32having a hole 34 therethrough that is in fluid communication with thevaporizing device 14.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a sealing member36 adjacent the second open end 18 of the tube 12, the sealing member 36consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeable materialthat is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communication betweenthe matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece 32. The illustrated sealingmember 36 is a flanged nipple extending between the hole of themouthpiece 32 and the second open end 18 of the tube 12. The flangedregion of the illustrated flanged nipple abuts the mouthpiece and isadjacent thereto without a gap therebetween. The sealing member 36 formsa conduit 38 between the hole of the mouthpiece 32 and the tube 12. Thenipple is fixedly coupled to the mouthpiece 32 and seats into the secondopen end 18 of the tube 12 when the mouthpiece 32 is coupled to theflexible outer housing 24. The sealing member 36 is cylindrical andfriction fits inside the tube 12 in a manner that prevents fluid fromthe matrix from entering the airflow pathway towards the mouthpiece. Thesealing member 36 is highly elastic such that it may seat well againstadjacent structures and seal the same with a fluid impermeable seal.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is an electronic-cigarette filter10 which includes a sealing member 36 adjacent the second open end 18 ofthe tube 12, the sealing member 36 consists essentially of asubstantially fluid impermeable material that is shaped and sized toprevent direct fluid communication between the matrix and the hole ofthe mouthpiece 32. The sealing member 36 forms a conduit 38 between thehole of the mouthpiece 32 and the tube 12. The sealing member 36 is anipple extending between the hole of the mouthpiece 32 and the secondopen end 18 of the tube 12. The nipple is fixedly coupled to themouthpiece 32 and seats into the second open end 18 of the tube 12 whenthe mouthpiece 32 is coupled to the flexible outer housing 24.

Advantageously, the illustrated filter provides for a traditional lookand feel while preventing leakage of fluid from the interior of thefilter even when the filter is bitten by the user and/or otherwisecompressed. Typical filters having similar structure will crack orotherwise open and the matrix, being asymmetrically compressed, willpool fluid near regions of the cracking/opening. Other non-leakingfilters tend to be very rigid or have structures that produce a lookand/or feel that is not traditional.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic-cigarette filter 10includes a sealing member 36 adjacent the second open end 18 of the tube12, the sealing member 36 consists essentially of a substantially fluidimpermeable material that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluidcommunication between the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece 32. Thesealing member 36 is selected from the group of sealing members thatconsist of an annular plug and a seating nipple.

Looking to FIGS. 5-7, FIGS. 5 and 7 are exploded perspective views of anelectronic-cigarette filter, according to one embodiment of theinvention and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electroniccigarette filter, according to one embodiment of the invention. There isshown an electronic-cigarette filter 10 including a tube 12, avaporizing device 14, a substantially flexible outer housing 24, a fluidpermeable matrix 20 (fluid storage matrix), and a sealing member 52.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a tube 12housing a vaporizing device 14, wherein walls of the tube 12 aresubstantially fluid impermeable, and wherein the tube 12 includes afirst open end 16 and a second open end 18 each distal from the other.Generally the tube is of a plastic or metal that is sufficiently strongto maintain an air channel even when the matrix/housing is compressedand that is substantially fluid impermeable. The illustrated tube alsoincludes apertures for access by the vaporizing device which allowsfluid to enter therethrough and to be vaporized while inside the tube.The tube also protects and houses the vaporizing device.

The electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a fluid permeable matrix 20disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube 12 (it envelopes the tube,thus providing fluid storage adjacent thereto) and is in fluidcommunication with the vaporizing device 14 through the side aperturesof the tube 12. The fluid permeable matrix 20 may be a cylinder of wovenfibers or a sponge-like material configured to hold a quantity of fluidtherein. The matric has a hole therethrough such that it may be disposedabout and substantially encircle the tube. The matrix is generallyflexible so that it contributes to the overall feel of the structurebeing similar to that of a traditional cigarette filter. Indeed, thematrix may be of substantially similar materials to those used intraditional filters, though modified to better contain fluids therein.The fluid permeable matrix 20 is adjacent to an exterior of the tube 12and is in fluid communication with the vaporizing device 14 through aregion of the tube spaced from the second open end of the tube. Theelectronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a vaporizing liquid disposedthroughout the matrix.

The electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a substantially flexibleouter housing 24 enveloping the matrix and the tube 12. Such willgenerally be a thin cylinder made of a flexible and fluid impermeablematerial, such as but not limited to plastic. The outer housing 24includes a first end 26 having a coupling structure 28 and a second end30, distal from the first end 26. The second end 30 includes amouthpiece 32 having a hole therethrough that is in fluid communicationwith the vaporizing device 14. The mouthpiece 32 is selectably removablycoupled to the outer housing 24. The coupling structure 28 of the firstend 26 of the outer housing 24 includes both a physical couplingstructure 42 and an electrical coupling structure 44, each configured tocouple to corresponding components of an electronic-cigarette batteryhousing. The illustrated outer housing envelops the matrix and the tube12, the outer housing 24 having a first end 26 and a second end 30,distal from the first end 26, the second end 30 includes a mouthpiece 32having a hole therethrough that is in fluid communication with thevaporizing device 14.

The illustrated electronic-cigarette filter 10 includes a sealing member52 adjacent the second open end 18 of the tube 12, the sealing member 52consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeable materialthat is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communication betweenthe matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece 32. The illustrated sealingmember 52 is an annular seal forming a flange about the second end ofthe tube, thus sealing in the matrix and the fluid therewith. Thesealing member 52 forms a boundary wall that allows for a conduit 38between the hole of the mouthpiece 32 and the tube 12 to persist. Thereis a spacing 62 between the annular seal 52 and the mouthpiece 32, yetfluid is not able to pool therein because of the seal. The annular sealis fixedly coupled to and between the tube and housing, therebypreventing fluid from the matrix from entering the airflow pathwaytowards the mouthpiece. The sealing member 52 is highly elastic suchthat it may seat well against adjacent structures and seal the same witha fluid impermeable seal while not negatively impacting the feel of thefilter when used.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the electronic-cigarette filter 10includes a sealing member 52 adjacent the second open end 18 of the tube12, the sealing member 52 consists essentially of a substantially fluidimpermeable material that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluidcommunication between the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece 32. Thesealing member 36 is annular and encircles the tube 12. The sealingmember 52 is flush with the second open end 18 of the tube 12 and isspaced from an interior wall of the mouthpiece 32. The sealing member 52forms a conduit between the hole of the mouthpiece 32 and the tube 12.

In one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 illustrates anelectronic-cigarette filter 10 which includes a sealing member coupledto the mouthpiece 32 adjacent the second open end 18 of the tube 12, thesealing member consists essentially of a substantially fluid impermeablematerial that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communicationbetween the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece 32. The sealing memberforms a conduit between the hole of the mouthpiece 32 and the tube 12.The sealing member is a nipple extending from the mouthpiece 32 and thesecond open end 18 of the tube 12. The nipple is fixedly coupled to themouthpiece 32 and seats into the second open end 18 of the tube 12 whenthe mouthpiece 32 is coupled to the flexible outer housing 24.

Advantageously, the illustrated filter provides for a traditional lookand feel while preventing leakage of fluid from the interior of thefilter even when the filter is bitten by the user and/or otherwisecompressed. Typical filters having similar structure will crack orotherwise open and the matrix, being asymmetrically compressed, willpool fluid near regions of the cracking/opening. Other non-leakingfilters tend to be very rigid or have structures that produce a lookand/or feel that is not traditional. Further, the sealing structuresdescribed herein are easy to manufacture and assemble, while stillproviding great feel, flexibility, comfort to the users.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate specific shapes of sealingmembers, it is understood that wherein the tube, mouthpiece and/or thehousing vary in shape, the sealing member may vary similarly in shape.As a non-limiting example, wherein the tube is square in cross-section,the sealing member may be similarly shaped at regions where contact withthe tube is made.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate two variations of sealingmembers, it is understood that the different types of sealing memberswhich may be utilized are plethoric and that variations of such includedifferent blends of the illustrated structure.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may beconstructed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited toplastics, rubber, woven fibers, metals, ceramics, composites and thelike and combinations thereof.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplatedthat an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consistessentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures,methods described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic-cigarette filter, comprising: a) atube housing a vaporizing device, wherein walls of the tube aresubstantially fluid impermeable, and wherein the tube includes a firstopen end and a second open end each distal from the other; b) a fluidpermeable matrix disposed adjacent to an exterior of the tube and influid communication with the vaporizing device through a region of thetube spaced from the second open end of the tube; c) a vaporizing liquiddisposed throughout the matrix; d) a substantially flexible outerhousing enveloping the matrix and the tube, the outer housing having afirst end including a coupling structure and a second end, distal fromthe first end, the second end including a mouthpiece having a holetherethrough in fluid communication with the vaporizing device; and e) asealing member adjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealingmember consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeablematerial that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communicationbetween the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece.
 2. The filter ofclaim 1, wherein the matrix encircles the tube.
 3. The filter of claim1, wherein the mouthpiece is selectably removably coupled to the outerhousing.
 4. The filter of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is anipple extending between the hole of the mouthpiece and the second openend of the tube.
 5. The filter of claim 1, wherein the sealing memberforms a conduit between the hole of the mouthpiece and the tube.
 6. Thefilter of claim 4, wherein the nipple is fixedly coupled to themouthpiece and seats into the second open end of the tube when themouthpiece is coupled to the flexible outer housing.
 7. The filter ofclaim 1, wherein the sealing member is annular and encircles the tube.8. The filter of claim 1, wherein the matrix is a hollow cylinder. 9.The filter of claim 1, wherein the coupling structure of the first endof the outer housing includes both a physical coupling structure and anelectrical coupling structure, each configured to couple tocorresponding components of an electronic-cigarette battery housing. 10.The filter of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is highly elastic. 11.An electronic-cigarette filter, comprising: a) a tube housing avaporizing device, including a first open end and a second open end eachdistal from the other; b) a fluid permeable matrix disposed adjacent toan exterior of the tube and in fluid communication with the vaporizingdevice through a region of the tube spaced from the second open end ofthe tube; c) a vaporizing liquid disposed throughout the matrix; d) asubstantially flexible outer housing enveloping the matrix and the tube,the outer housing having a first end and a second end, distal from thefirst end, the second end including a mouthpiece having a holetherethrough in fluid communication with the vaporizing device; and e) asealing member adjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealingmember consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeablematerial that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communicationbetween the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece.
 12. The filter ofclaim 11, wherein the matrix is a hollow cylinder that encircles thetube.
 13. The filter of claim 12, wherein walls of the tube aresubstantially fluid impermeable.
 14. The filter of claim 13, wherein thesealing member is annular and encircles the tube.
 15. The filter ofclaim 14, wherein the sealing member is flush with the second open endof the tube and is spaced from an interior wall of the mouthpiece. 16.The filter of claim 13, wherein the sealing member forms a conduitbetween the hole of the mouthpiece and the tube.
 17. The filter of claim13, wherein the sealing member is a nipple extending between the hole ofthe mouthpiece and the second open end of the tube.
 18. The filter ofclaim 17, wherein the nipple is fixedly coupled to the mouthpiece andseats into the second open end of the tube when the mouthpiece iscoupled to the flexible outer housing.
 19. An electronic-cigarettefilter, comprising: a) a tube housing a vaporizing device, wherein wallsof the tube are substantially fluid impermeable, and wherein the tubeincludes a first open end and a second open end each distal from theother; b) a fluid permeable matrix shaped as a hollow cylinder disposedadjacent to an exterior of the tube, encircling the same, and in fluidcommunication with the vaporizing device through a region of the tubespaced from the second open end of the tube; c) a vaporizing liquiddisposed throughout the matrix; d) a substantially flexible outerhousing enveloping the matrix and the tube, the outer housing having afirst end including a coupling structure and a second end, distal fromthe first end, the second end including a mouthpiece having a holetherethrough in fluid communication with the vaporizing device; and e) asealing member adjacent the second open end of the tube, the sealingmember consisting essentially of a substantially fluid impermeablematerial that is shaped and sized to prevent direct fluid communicationbetween the matrix and the hole of the mouthpiece.
 20. The filter ofclaim 19, wherein the sealing member is selected from the group ofsealing members consisting of an annular plug and a seating nipple.